Jets receiver Kerley misses practice, but likely to play

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley is questionable for the team's game at St. Louis with heel and hamstring injuries, but is expected to play against the Rams.

Coach Rex Ryan said Friday that Kerley, the team's leading receiver, did not practice and has been bothered all week by the heel and tightness in the hamstring.

Kerley has 35 catches and two scores, and is the Jets' primary punt returner.

Also questionable after being limited in practice but expected to play are running backs Joe McKnight (sprained right ankle) and Bilal Powell (concussion), linebacker Bart Scott (hyperextended right big toe) and nose tackle Sione Po'uha (back, ankle).

Wide receiver Stephen Hill returned to practice after missing two days with an illness. Linebacker Calvin Pace was excused for personal reasons, but will play.

Rams C Rob Turner, who spent his first five seasons in New York, called the Jets "the Chicago Cubs of football" — a shot at both franchises' long stretches without a championship — on Thursday.

Ryan, always fond of Turner, laughed off the comments, saying: "I expect that the double-play combination of Tinker to Evers to Chance is going to show up on Sunday in St. Louis. I'm just going to throw it out there."

Ryan said it was "interesting" Turner would say that, and added: "Either way, we're bringing our mitts and here we come. If they want to play two, that's fine also with us."

Jets quarterback Tim Tebow was asked if he likes playing in open-air stadiums or domes, such as the Rams' Edward Jones Dome. "I prefer grass," he said. "I prefer playing in elements and grass. I feel like that's how football should be played. It really doesn't bother me too much."